POINT OF CARE TESTING
Abstract
Diagnostic
testing is very important in coming up with the right and accurate diagnosis in
a clinical setup. Some clinical tests can also be carried out in a home setting
or sites away from the hospital. These tests provide vital clinical information
about the status of a patient before treatment is initiated. Decentralizing
these tests make it easier for patients to access tests when they need them
making point of care testing very important.
Concepts of
point of care testing
Point of care testing is proving diagnostic testing
at a point near the patient. The patient does not therefore doesn’t has to move
in order to get tested. Point of care testing is also called bedside,
near-patient, remote or decentralized testing. Some of the tests carried out at
point of care testing include, rapid malaria tests, HIV testing, blood sugar
testing for diabetic patients and hemoglobin estimation. Point of care testing
is also performed in ambulances, fire engines and medical evacuation planes.
It utilizes small volume of sample which is
preferred for neonates and individuals with bleeding disorders and in
situations where the test is performed frequently over a long period of time
for example blood sugar testing for diabetic patients.
It also utilizes unprocessed samples directly from
the patient. This reduces the testing time greatly.
POCT utilizes technologies that are simple to use
which means that even the non-trained staff can operate this technologies. It
also has modalities which ensure that tests are performed correctly and in the
right manner. This makes it very cost effective method.
Analytical time for POCT is usually short and this
allows for results when the patient is still being examined. Thus treatment is
initiated early to the advantage of the patient. This is even more important in
situations where patient treatment is dependent on results.
The physician is also able to obtain results when
the history and diagnostic issues of the client are still fresh in their minds
this promotes efficiency as the physician will not have to refer back.
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